Thursday 11 August 2022 12:04 PM Aerial views of England show scorched earth as parts of the UK resemble a desert trends now
Shocking aerial shots have revealed the impact of the sizzling heatwave leaving farmers with parched crops as half of the UK population could be facing a hosepipe ban within weeks.
These alarming photographs showed vast desert-like landscapes in areas that would normally be filled with swathes of greenery as the country endured its driest July since 1935 and record-breaking temperatures of 40C (104F).
Patches of scorched grass could be seen right across the countryside in photographs taken surrounding East Midlands Airport as concerns grow over water shortages thanks to rising temperatures.
The Met Office has also raised its Fire Severity Index to exceptional - the highest level - today for much of southern England, and Wales alongside an amber, as the mercury is forecast to climb to 'lethally hot' temperatures of 36C (97F) this weekend. The warning system also been at its second highest level of alert for seven weeks, which is the longest stretch since 1976.
It comes as several households in parts of Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire are facing water shortages after a pipe burst on Thursday and the Stokenchurch Reservoir dried-up.
Thames Water confessed yesterday to letting nearly a quarter of all water it supplies leak through cracks – but the firm's strategy director said we needed to 'be more efficient' – like the Germans and Danes.
It said it is preparing to impose a hosepipe ban in the 'next couple of weeks', affecting 15million customers in London and the South East.
These alarming aerial photographs showed vast desert-like landscapes in areas that would normally be filled with swathes of greenery as the country endured its driest July since 1935 and record-breaking temperatures of 40C (104F)
Brits in Oxfordshire (pictured) and Milton Keynes were pictured using umbrellas to shield themselves from the sun on Wednesday while they played golf on a bone dry course
An image of scorched Britain was captured yesterday and showed how the ongoing drought conditions have effected the country
Patches of scorched grass could be seen right across the countryside in photographs taken surrounding East Midlands Airport as concerns grow over water shortages thanks to rising temperatures
Pictured: Golfers are seen playing on a scorched course as the UK enters another sizzling heatwave
Pictured: Cows are pictured eating straw and grass silage, which is normally a winter feed, at a farm in Harpole, near Northampton
Pictured: An alarming aerial view of a dried out grass outfield during a T20 Last Man Stands cricket match
Environment Secretary George
